The tantalyzing smell of fair food, the rush of carnival rides, and the sounds of live music all make their way to the Big Fresno Fair starting Wednesday.

This is the fair’s 139th year and its 12-day run features something for everyone.

While live horse racing, museum tours, livestock sales, craft exhibits, and big-name concerts return, new this year are extreme pogo performers taking on risky stunts.

“This is the first year that we’ve had them, and they come and they do extreme pogo stunts and they jump around, it’s pretty much athletics on pogo sticks,” said Lauri King, the fair’s new CEO.

The pogo performers are said to hold 18 Guinness World Records and will have an area where they will be performing periodically throughout the week located right at the entrance of the main carnival near the E-game and Pop Culture Building.

COVID-19 Safety Measures

King says the fair will be a little closer to normal after dealing with extra safety precautions last year.

However, some COVID-19 measures remain, including increased intense cleaning and fog machines that disinfect frequently touched areas.

“We work in collaboration with the Fresno County Department of Public Health and we follow all of their guidelines … (so) that we produce the safest event possible,” said King.

Face masks will not be required, but they are recommended. For those who don’t feel well, county and fair officials say it’s best to stay home.

“There’s 12 days of the big Fresno fair for you to come out and enjoy,” said King. “So if you’re not feeling well on day one, that’s OK. Just wait and come out a couple of days later when you are feeling well.”

The fair will not administer COVID testing other than for its staff.

“Everyone will test prior to the fair opening this week and then they’ll test mid-week next week just to make sure that our staff who will be working with the public and our guests are as healthy and safe as possible,” said King.

Big Surprise Coming Next Tuesday

King says fans of the fair should keep a close eye on their social media page on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

“We also have a surprise social media promotion that’s going to be coming out,” said King. “So I highly recommend that everyone follow us on a social media platform so that they can see what our big surprise promotion will be.”

Free Fair Days

On Monday, Oct. 10, seniors 62 and older can attend the fair free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — after that, tickets will be $4.

Kids 12 and under are admitted free all day long on Kids Day, Wednesday, Oct. 12.

The Concert Series

All concerts are scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

• Dwight Yoakam will perform on Wednesday, Oct. 5 
• Ice Cube Will perform Thursday, Oct. 6.
• Queen Nation – A Tribute to the Music of Queen will perform Friday, Oct. 7.
• Cruising to The Souldies Hosted by Danny Trejo on Saturday, Oct. 8.
• Banda Cuisillos y El Coyote will perform on Sunday, Oct. 9.
• The Pretty Reckless to perform on Monday, Oct. 10.
• KMJ’S 100th Anniversary Celebration featuring Tower of Power with Special Guest Paul Rodriguez on Tuesday, Oct. 11.
• Country band Midland to perform on Wednesday, Oct. 12.
• Comedian Dana Carvey will perform Thursday, Oct. 13.
• Worship singer Phil Wickham will perform on Friday, Oct. 14.
• Ladies Night Out featuring Ashanti and Baby Bash will perform Saturday Oct. 15.
• Mexican Bandas like Banda Machos, Mi Banda el Mexicano de Casimiro, Banda Maguey, and Banda Zeta will join together to host Quebradita Time on Sunday Oct. 16.

For more information about events, deals, discounts, museum hours, and tours, visit the Big Fresno Fair’s website here.